by Jeffrey Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment
Editor’s Note: The following is a press release issued by Jeffrey R. Gural, chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, in regards to his ongoing negotiations to lease Meadowlands Racetrack. Thanks to the help of some of the Meadowlands’ major customers who have been talking to the tellers for the last few days, a meeting has been arranged with a representative group of tellers for Wednesday (April 20) in my attorney’s office. I think that many of the tellers did not understand our offer and hopefully by listening to their issues and clarifying some of ours we can get this process back on track. I personally met with many of the tellers prior to the vote and I found most of them very supportive and willing to work with us so I am cautiously optimistic.
- Jeff Gural statement on the Meadowlands (Friday, April 15, 2011)
Jeff Gural writes that “At this point, I think we have to assume that the Meadowlands will not reopen for racing on May 7 unless the tellers reconsider.”
- “I was shocked,” said Gural (Friday, April 15, 2011)
On the day after the union representing racetrack mutuel clerks effectively rejected a proposal from would-be Meadowlands owner Jeff Gural, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that in light of the union decision the track would not reopen for live racing May 7 and that the facility will cease accepting simulcast wagers May 12.
- Meadowlands update from Jeff Gural (Wednesday, April 20, 2011)
I met with Bob Ligouri, head of the Tellers Union today. However, for reasons known only to themselves, six of the seven members of his negotiating committee boycotted the meeting.